Former Falcon Named Commander of Thunderbirds
2/11/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Feb. 11, 2004
Former Air Force football player Lt. Col. Mike Chandler has been named Commander of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds." Chandler assumed his duties earlier this month and is stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nev.
Chandler is a 1986 graduate of the Academy, where he was a three-year letterwinner on the football team. A standout linebacker, Chandler was second on the team in tackles during the 1985 season with 92 while helping the Falcons to a 12-1 record and Bluebonnet bowl victory over Texas.
"Mike Chandler is a tremendous person," Air Force head football coach Fisher DeBerry said. "I don't know of a better example of the kind of young people who have gone through this program to become outstanding officers. Mike was a great football player and leader and he's doing the same thing now in the Air Force. We're very proud of what Mike has accomplished."
A command pilot, Chandler has logged more than 3,400 hours as an Air Force pilot, with more than 3,000 hours in the A/OA-10, F-15C/D and the F-16C/D. Prior to his assignment at Nellis AFB, he was a student at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Chandler's honors include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Joint Service Achievement Medal.
Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Chandler and his wife, Joni, have four children, Katie, five, Jack, four, Sarah, two, and Matthew, newborn.
